By MARK REY MONTEJO
For veteran setter Jia Morado-De Guzman, being recognized as Ms. Volleyball by the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) was a dream came true.
No wonder she was ecstatic in her video message during the highly-successful PSA Awards Night at the historic Manila Hotel on Monday, Jan. 27.
“This is actually a dream come true for me,” said De Guzman, who is currently in Japan where she plays for the Denso Airybees in the pro league. “Because being a setter in volleyball and playing in a non-scoring supporting role for my team, I’ve always found the most fulfillment in seeing my teammates, my spikers shine.”
“Dreams like playing as a setter import in Japan or even receiving distinctive awards such as Ms. Volleyball.”
De Guzman also expressed her gratitude to her loved ones and the people who helped shape her career and to those who supported her in every step of the way to reach the superstar status which she enjoys these days.
Miguel, Jia’s husband, received the trophy which was witnessed by multiple sports legends, icons, including his wife’s former teammates Alyssa Valdez and Jema Galanza, and some of the country’s rising stars.
Before ending her speech, De Guzman delivered a powerful message, particularly about the essence of purpose of being a person or an athlete and the hardships that came for those seeking for greatness.
“More than sweet victories, there may be even more heartbreaks, failure, falling-short, self-doubt, and being put into the situations you may feel unqualified for.”
“But I believe it’s in our hardest, lowest points that we see what matters most to us as people and as athletes. It’s when we see why we do what we do. Why do we keep waking up at 4 a.m. everyday? Why do we train twice, thrice, even more times everyday? Why do we power through fatigue, exhaustion, and even injuries? And why do we keep playing even when we’re far away from our families?”
De Guzman said it is also their goal to inspire up and coming athletes, especially in volleyball.
“Our why becomes our purpose. It gives us strength to power through even when things are hard, when things are painful, because it makes everything worth it.,” she added.
“So to share with you our why and our purpose. It is to take this privilege, do our best to inspire and open more doors for the next generation of volleyball athletes to come.”
De Guzman has been one of the top playmakers in volleyball since her collegiate days up to her fruitful stint in the PVL. She also garnered medals in the local and international scene including the Southeast Asian Games.
